It’s not often I chance upon country styled instrumental music. The genre seems so intrinsically tied to storytelling off of lyricism that you don’t really think about how important a sheer guitar driven melody can be in shaping the mood and narrative. On ‘Patchen Avenue’, Alec Berlin flips the narrative. Opting for a rather mellow and introspective instrumental arrangement, the dexterous and multi-talented musician takes you down a mixture of retro sounds with contemporary sheen to create something that feels very similar yet simultaneously incredibly fresh sounding. It’s a deliciously intricate tapestry, a wonderfully exquisite blending of so many strings and subtle sonic elements strewn across to amplify the core presence and emotion behind the guitar work.
I find myself sinking deeper and deeper into this track with each consecutive listen. There’s a certain gripping pull it has over you, somehow allowing the guitar to blossom and possess a voice of its own that just flourishes so richly and lushly through and through. A perfect piece of instrumental rock to think over and introspect on.